Is it true that you immigrated to the United States as a child?“My mother, brother and I came here from the Philippines when I was 11. We were in search of a better life, and America has long been regarded as the land of opportunity.”

Emmanuel Welsh and fellow student representatives exit the State House on Tiger Pride Day with their resolution.

How did you become interested in politics?“Through my stepfather, Patrick Welsh, a Towson alumnus who served as a state legislator in the ‘80s. He taught me that public service was a noble calling, and that politicians can make a positive difference. My stepfather passed away five years ago, but his lessons are still with me.”

And you became politically active at an early age, right?“Yes—and I haven’t stopped! At 15 I spent a month as an intern in the office of Maryland state senator E.J. Pipkin. Two years later, I interned for three months in then-Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich’s Press Office in Annapolis. Now I’m director of legislative affairs for Towson’s Student Government Association (SGA) and secretary of the University of Maryland Student Council, one of the four advisory councils to Chancellor Kirwan.”

What have you been involved in recently?“In my role as SGA legislative liaison, I accompanied more than 80 faculty, staff and students to the state capital to lobby on Towson’s behalf. For many students, it was their first visit to Annapolis and their first interaction with a lawmaker at that level. Politicians need to hear from us—there’s so much at stake.”

Emmanuel Welsh with Ryan Fredriksson in the stands.

Why did you pick Towson?“To be honest, I wasn’t very interested at first. But my stepfather had graduated from Towson, and my parents encouraged me to check it out. There was a sense that the university was on the rise, so I decided to give it a try.”

How do you feel after nearly two years on campus?
“Towson has really exceeded my expectations. The low faculty-to-student ratio makes everything more personal, and I learn better in that kind of setting. It’s a great environment—I really enjoy talking to other students to get a sense of where they stand on a variety of issues.”
Are you the Tigers’ No. 1 basketball fan?
“Probably [laughs]. I was a huge basketball fan in high school, and now I’m cheering for Towson. I try to go to every home game to show my support for the team and the university.”

What comes after graduation?“Law school, but that could change. I’m sure that government is my calling, though. I want to serve my fellow citizens honorably.”